BOLLINGER COUNTY AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER NATIONAL PROGRAM

Bollinger County will soon be allotted funds by the State Set-Aside Committee to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area.

The State Set-Aside Committee will determine Bollinger County's portion of the "Set-Aside" funds. This pool of funds is designated primarily for those counties not receiving a direct award from the National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA an dUnited Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The board was charged the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A local board composed of elected officials and representatives of the Ministerial Alliances, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, St. Vincent DePaul an dother social services will determine how the funds awarded to Bollinger County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must: 1) be non-profit, 2) have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit, 3) practice non-discrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

Bollinger County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously with East Missouri Action Agency participating. These agencies were responsible for providing emergency shelter, utilities and food to local families.

For further information on the program please contact Don Myers at 783-6355 or Bill Bunch at 431-5191.